How to Deal with a Difficult Boss

Work can be stressful, and the level of stress can raise or lower depending on several factors. The nature of the job, how well you get along with your co-workers, and what kinds of clients you have to deal with are all factors in how you view your job. One of the major factors is the type of boss you have to deal with on a daily basis.

For those lucky enough to have a boss that's easy to get along with, count your blessings. For those who don't have that luxury, just going to work everyday can seem like a chore. Some bosses are extremely moody. Others show a great deal of favoritism to certain workers. There are even bosses who are difficult because they take "easy going" to an extreme and fail to see things through for their workers.

Though the average worker can feel powerless in the face of a difficult boss, there are things you can do if you're finding that the person in charge is making you want to call in. While it may take a little effort on your part, it can also make the workplace a bit easier for you and your co-workers.

1. Take stock of what you perceive as "difficult" - Sometimes a boss can be difficult for no reason other than his or her personality clashes with yours. When this happens, it's easy to blame the problems on them rather than take any personal responsibility. Figure out what it is that makes the boss hard to get along with. Do they seem to be snapping at you for no reason all the time? Or do they just get angry when you show up late continuously? If the things the boss demands are part of the employee rule book, they're not being difficult...they're just doing their job. Personal attacks or a majority agreement among co-workers that the boss is hard to get along with is a good hint that steps do in fact need to be taken to deal with managerial difficulties.

2. Ask your boss to clarify their wishes - A difficult boss sometimes gives orders or asks employees to do things without clarifying what exactly needs to be done. This can be especially hard when they come back on you for something that you didn't do right, even if you felt you did exactly what was asked of you. If this is common, start asking for detailed steps to any task you are given. Recite instructions back to your boss to make sure you know what to do. Even if he or she seems exasperated, do it anyway. Tell them it's better to do the job right the first time than to have them upset that you didn't do it right. Not only will it show your willingness to do the job well, it will give the boss less room to complain later since they're more likely to remember the detailed explanation you asked for.

3. Be pleasant at all costs - The whole "turn the other cheek" lesson can be important at work. Even in the face of a boss who seems to dislike you or can be generally rude, keep a smile and stay polite. Though you may think it's not doing you any good, the truth is your boss could be even harder to get along with if you have a bad attitude. Also, in many cases, even if a manager acts unimpressed with you and your "pleasantness", that persona is likely to stick and be remembered by them later when it comes time to hand out promotions or references for higher positions. Who know? A regular smile and good attitude could be just what the boss needs to simmer down on their own unfriendly work habits.

4. Document anything you feel is "over the top" - Sometimes bosses are difficult in ways that are considered illegal in many companies. If the person you're working under is making you feel uncomfortable in any way, document the instances. Talk to your boss about them and why you feel they're inappropriate. If you're already dealing with managerial difficulties, be prepared to take it higher. There are laws against outright harassment, so such behavior should come to a halt. Documenting gives you an outline of what's bothering you and provides a tangible timeline that you can use to support your case.

5. Schedule a one-on-one - Tell your boss you'd like to set up a meeting time with them. Make it official and professional so they know you're not looking for a pleasant afternoon chat. Be up front about why you feel you're boss is difficult and ask how you can make things at work a little easier on the both of you. Don't speak for anyone else, even if you know others in the office are having issues. Let them speak for themselves. Many bosses don't realize they have a bad attitude until it's brought to their attention so take that first step and prove yourself worthy of a good work relationship.

No matter how hard you try, there are those of you out there who won't ever be able to meet your boss halfway. In that case, take stock of how much you're willing to take and whether a career move would be the best. Always maintain your professionalism. If you know you're a good worker, eventually you will get the boss you deserve.